OKCBusiness

Winter, spring, summer or fall – Temur Akhmedov says most home and business owners have no idea how much money is literally pouring out of their homes and offices.

Akhmedov and his company Centaurus Technology and Innovations specialize in helping homeowners – and home builders –plug the leaks that result in soaring utility bills.

Through energy audits that include thermal imaging, digital photography and cost around $250, Centaurus can help business owners bolster their bottom lines through energy savings.

Originally from the Republic of Uzbekistan – part of the former Soviet Union – Akhmedov came to America to study and work. He became fascinated with energy consumption and ways to reduce energy costs while studying energy incentive plans the state of California has for its residents.

“I thought maybe it was time for Oklahoma to get in the game as well,” said Akhmedov, who graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a sociology degree.

Akhmedov’s company is currently working on its LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Plugging leaks and implementing energy-saving ideas can save hundreds of dollars in utility bills. But if those ideas were implemented on a larger scale, the savings could be in the millions.

Consider that buildings account for nearly 40 percent of total U.S. energy consumption and residential buildings account for 54.6 percent of that total, according to the U.S. Green Building Council.

The residential sector is responsible for 21 percent of the nation’s carbon dioxide emissions.

LEED certified homes are on average 30-50 percent more energy efficient that conventional non-green homes.

The average household spends some $1,500 each year on energy bills, according to the council.

Akhmedov’s customers usually know there is a problem before they even call him.

“They’re somewhat aware because they’re getting the high utility bills, but they get surprised to see where they lose the air,” Akhmedov said. “Most people usually know they have air leaks around doors or windows, but when they see the thermal imagery … that shocks people.”

Akhmedov said he would like to work with builders in the future to help incorporate energy saving building techniques.

Currently, there are bills in the Oklahoma House of Representatives calling for state buildings to get in line with LEED.

State Rep. Lance Cargill, R-Harrah, authored House Bill 3394, the “Conserving Oklahoma Act,” which would require all new state-owned buildings or major renovations of state-owned buildings to meet LEED certification.

“LEED design, construction and practices allow a building to be cost efficient while conserving resources,” Cargill said.

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